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Parliament Hill in Ottawa is where the government of Canada is located. It’s beautifully situated between the Ottawa River and downtown Ottawa.
Centre Block
All three impressive neo-Gothic buildings were originally completed in 1866, but Centre Block, which holds the House of Commons and Senate chambers as well as the Library of Parliament, was gutted by a 1916 fire. The current building was completed in 1929.
Peace Tower
The clock tower at Centre Block is called the Peace Tower. It’s 92.2m high and includes over 370 gargoyles, grotesques, and friezes. Located inside the tower is the Memorial Chamber, which contains the names of every Canadian service member to die at war.
East Block
East Block contains the offices of several senators, members of parliament, and other ministers. Historic offices include: the office of Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald; the Governor General of Canada, Lord Dufferin; the office of Sir George-Étienne Cartier; and the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada. West Block contains the offices of several parliamentarians.
Tours of Parliament
Free tours of Parliament (as of January 2024) are possible in either English or French. Tickets are available online in advance. Tours of Centre Block and West Block are given year-round while East Block is open during the summer. It’s also possible to visit only the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber on a self-guided tour.
The Grounds
The grounds of Parliament Hill contain various monuments. On the path leading to Centre Block is the Centennial Flame. It was lit in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the independence of Canada. The flame is surrounded by a fountain that never freezes in winter.
To the east of Centre Block is an equestrian monument of Queen Elizabeth II as well as a small square with statues that people like to pose with for photos.
At the edge of the hill, there are excellent views of the Ottawa River, Gatineau, and the Alexandra Bridge.
